Dental Instruments & What They Are Used for

Dentists use certain instruments in every basic exam, and some specialized instruments for specific dental procedures. The standard instruments allow the dentist to examine teeth, manipulate tissue and control saliva. More involved dental work may involve anesthesia and the dentist's drill.

Mirrors

• Dentists use small mouth mirrors, either single- or double-sided, to check the surface of every tooth, according to the website Simple Steps to Better Dental Health, featuring information reviewed by Columbia University College of Dental Medicine.

Probes

• Dental explorers are thin metallic instruments with sharp points. The sickle, or contra-angled probe, is used in diagnosing problems such as cavities or defects in tooth enamel. The periodontal probe is used to measure the depth of soft tissue pockets.

Cotton Pliers

• Cotton pliers look like small tongs with tapered points that bend at an angle. They are used to handle cotton or other small items placed in or removed from the mouth.

Moisture Control

• Dentists control a patient's saliva with a disposable saliva ejector, which provides a low amount of suction to remove saliva, blood, water or debris during procedures.

Anesthesia

• If a patient requires a procedure that will cause pain, dentists use syringes and needles to administer anesthesia.

Burs

• Dentists use different sizes and shapes of burs, which attach to high-speed dental drills. These are used to fill cavities or perform any other dental procedures that require smoothing or polishing.